HOUSE in heaven
With temperatures hitting the roof and many escaping to cooler locales, we check out a few who have perfect hill abodes
Vasudha Gupta

The onset of summer and the landscapes are lined with zenias as well as Celosia. With butterflies hovering around the trees and the sun at its shining best, vacations are now a coveted hobby among the masses and the classes alike. As properties become a valued asset, we try to dig out a famous few, who have bought homes in the hills and prefer it more than the Caribbean islands and Tunisian splendour.

Mohanmeet Khosla’s house in ShimlaFor city-based industrialist Ashok Tandon, his little abode in the hills was acquired two years back and has been a favourite get-away ever since. Nestled in the hills, close to Kasuli, his house has all that nature has to offer. “A house in the hills was on top of my wish-list. The one thing I totally loved was the location, along the hill side and of course the British-styled interiors,” he shares. The house has been built around a tree, so natural green leaves swirl through the house. “It’s unlike a typical concrete jungle home. In particular, the second floor is just one big room, with wooden ceilings and tall windows. The early sun makes the trip memorable,” he shares.

For Mohanmeet Khosla, a reader in the School of Communication Studies, Panjab University, it was more of a reconnect with the past, which she wanted to establish with the hills. For a person who has forever associated hills with fun, getting a house was the only way to ensure that the bond persisted. “My husband and I have a timeless bond with the hills. When my father-in-law retired from government service in Himachal, the best way to stay off the summer heat was a home in Shimla,” she says.

Keeping the legal processes in place, the two have converted their home into a part tourism project. This abode overlooks the Tara Devi temple and has an envious location. Elaborating on what makes the house special for the couple, Mohanmeet shares, “I was firm on taking any architectural help on the home. Once you see the house, you cannot categorize it in any genre. The sense of ownership and belonging is just woven into the aura of the place.”

For some, it’s more than just bricks and clay, which makes for a house in the hills. “My in-laws had gifted it to me,” shares Chandigrah-based Neelu Sandhu, who also owns a house near Barog, Himachal Pradesh. “It is the sentimental value attached with it that makes it special for me,” she says.

For few, it’s more of the joy that follows the pain. “Constructing a house in the hills is an uphill task,” shares Simar Singh, a city-based industrialist. For his parents, it’s a perfect getaway for the summer. Their house in Kasauli was constructed after two months of painful labour, but the end result is marvellous. “Hills have an amazing ambience. It makes a stressed out person forget his worries,” he shares.

For most people, it is the emotional connect with the hills. “Once we passed out from our schools, we thought we will never be able to go back to the hills,” laughs Karanbir Singh Sandhu. Belonging to a farmers’ family, Guddu as he is fondly called by his peers, bought a farmhouse in 2005 and redid the entire thing according to his taste. Nestled close to the Solan brewery, it makes for his cozy spot in the summer. “We tried to retain the basic structure of the house. In fact, our kitchen is outside the house and is connected through a corridor,” he smiles.

So, where do you want your summer abode?

vasudha@tribunemail.com

First day First show
Masala mix
West is West

Om Puri in West is West Assassin Films and BBC Films’ West Is West (English) is the sequel to East Is East. The year is 1976 and brown-skinned people are still looked down upon in England, much more than today. After having lost the love and respect of his elder sons, Salford-based small time businessman, Jahangir Khan (Om Puri), living in Britain, decides to take his youngest son, Sajid (Aqib Khan), from his second wife to Pakistan to train the latter in the Pakistani way of life.

Starring: Om Puri, Ila Arun, Aqib Khan, Linda Bassett, Sheeba Chaddha, Vijay Raaz.

“I had expected some more comedy out of the movie, but it really did not match up to its prequel,”

— Ankit Arora, entrepreneur

“It’s a very good story, no doubt, but I don’t think it will attract the Indian audience. I enjoyed the fun element in it,”

— Nikhil Bedi, student

“The only reason I loved it is because of Om Puri’s impeccable acting skills and the background music. It has pretty amazing performances otherwise,”

— Mallika Bansal, housewife from Ludhiana

Shaitan

The story of youngsters who are young, intelligent, good looking and ‘uber cool’. With no hang ups and no boundaries, excitement is what they seek till a ‘moment’ changes everything. An accident and their actions to cover up lead them through a series of incidents across the roads, streets and by-lanes of Mumbai and into the dark side that lurks within all of us.

Starring: Rajeev Khandelwal, Kalki Koechlin, Shiv Pandit, Rajit Kapoor, Gulshan Devaiya, Kirti Kulhari, Rajat Barmecha, Shaitan

“The movie started on a good note, I had thought it will pick up, but post interval, it just came crashing down. The story became very weak,”

— Sunaina Bajaj, housewife

“Very powerful performances. No doubt great script and strong characters. Since the actors were new, they weren’t typecast. This made the performances better,”

— Sangeeta Rawat, student

“It was a bit drag for a while, but yes, the action sequences were great, particularly the one accident situation,”

— Samira Shukla, employee

Love Express

Mukta Searchlight’s Love Express is a romantic comedy tracing the journey of two parallel love stories in a train full of Baraatis from Amritsar to Mumbai. A young couple on the way to their own wedding wants to break-up, while the other couple wants to make up after a five-year-old break-up.

Starring: Sahil Mehta, Vikas Katyal, Mannat Ravi, Priyum Galav and Om Puri.

“The script is very loose. I have my doubts if it will work,”

— Rajesh Virk, - entrepreneur.

“It’s slow and very boring . Totally devoid of the Subhash Ghai charm,”

— Pinki Singh, student.

(As told to Vasudha Gupta)

What’s WEIGHING on your mind?
Unlike most men, the topic of discussion among women revolves around shedding weight
Ashima Sehajpal

Men always have a variety of topics to discuss - the fluctuating sensex, government policies, world politics, irritating bosses, liquor brands and above all…women!

With women, it's a different deal altogether. Their most serious talks range between weight loss and gain. The topic might deviate to the best boutique in the city or to someone who spent 80,000 bucks on a Louis Vuitton at the most. And if we've missed out something, here are a few women from Chandigarh guiding us!

Says Antima Jain, a medical sector employee, "The favourite topic of discussion is 'fat talk' and there's nothing bad about it. Weight is a cause of concern for every woman. Men don't get attracted to women who are overweight. So, they have to debate and do something about it." Then the serious discussions on how to get rid of flab sets in. As Antima says, "The topic has various 'off shoots'. We then discuss about dieting, sacrificing chocolates and living on diet cokes. Next comes gymming and motivational examples of women who have been able to shed weight."

Vidushi Sharma, a private firm employee, feels that if women talk about their pet issues they shouldn't be considered myopic but practical. "Women talk about the issues of immediate concern. They understand the priorities of life, so talk about food and health, which is often misquoted as discussion on weight." She doesn't mind her friends going on and on about shopping, diamonds, mother-in-laws, daughter-in-laws and fashion. "We pour out our thoughts on everything and that helps us stay calm. Men are more aggressive because they think it's silly to talk about small issues in life, which bothers them later on. "

While women do weight talk most of the time, men too at times take part in similar conversation - the only difference being they never readily accept it. "Don't men talk about their abs and biceps? They love to share with their friends which protein shake is the best, how many eggs they eat in a day or glasses of milk they drink," says Khushboo Kochar, a VJ with Channel B4U.

Instead, she says that women are secretive. "Women might do a lot of talking about weight loss but they never divulge the real facts." However, one thing she would want women to change is obsession with weight loss. "Even the skinniest girl in the world would say that she wants to lose some weight. Why can't we just be happy the way we are!"

For women who are still planning to discuss their high-fibre diet with their friends in the next meeting, it's important to know the findings of the study conducted at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Northwestern University. It states, "Fat talk further leads to body discontentment. Also, women don't go by their friends take on their weight. The reassurance doesn't work at all." So, next time think before you speak on the weight issue!

ashima@tribunemail.com

Rang de BASANTI
The National Gallery of Portraits is a veritable journey back to the days of the great Indian freedom movement, which inspires the patriot in you
Mona

In the midst of city's heart is the National Gallery of Portraits. As one takes a few steps down from the pavement and enters a wooden door, one is transported to an old patriotic world, away from the glam and glitter of international brands that register a ubiquitous presence in Sector 17.

Dedicated to the sacred memory of freedom fighters, known and unknown, this gallery narrates the story of Independent India. Portraits, texts, mini-models, the gallery captures the spirit of the time in different mediums.

From the first war of independence to the final blow to the British Empire from the Naval revolt in 1946, this gallery captures it all. The mini-models, which portray Rani Lakshmi Bai on a horse-back marching ahead in spite of cannons, Azad Hind Fauj's march to Delhi, Jallianwala Bagh and a bonfire of foreign clothes, are interesting presentations.

The texts give brief summaries of major milestones in our journey towards freedom. The Chittagong encounter, the Quit India movement, Salt Satyagraha and 'Simon Go back' find mention here. There is also this mural that captures the Kuka movement. Tributes to known freedom fighters from Tatya Tope to Gandhi, as well as many unknown ones, are placed side by side.

Busts in bronze and fibre glass of Punjab Kesari Lala Lajpat Rai, Subhash Chandra Bose, Jawaharlal Nehru and Dr Rajendra Prasad are spread out in the gallery. Most moving is the corner where portraits of Chandra Shekhar Azad, Bhagat Singh, Shivraj Ram Gokul and Sukhdev are hung. What fine pictures of youngsters who chose death over life for India's freedom!

There is this corner dedicated to patriotic songs. Right from iconic Sarfaroshi ki tamanna to many others in Assamese, Bengali to Konkani find place here. A separate corner is dedicated to women freedom fighters. Figure of Sarojini Naidu in fibre glass sits proudly in the centre. There is also a section devoted to Indian revolutionaries abroad. Pictures of Kalapani (Cellular jail, Andaman), some 300 martyrs who were shot and thrown into a well near Ajnala in 1857; Naval revolt are quite disturbing.

Armed forces and common man came together for the Freedom struggle. Janta Ka Lahu faujon se mila/ faujon Ka Lahu Janta se mila (The blood of masses mingles with the soldiers' blood and vice versa). Newspaper reports capture the essence of the times. The National emblem stands tall. The small description next to it traces its roots to 242-232 BC though it was adopted by the government in 1950. A corner is dedicated to audio-visuals and study.

Patriotic songs that play softly add to the aura. The resolute faces of Bhagat Singh and Azad linger in your memory long after you are out of the place. A must-visit for Freedom Movement students and also those who care a little about the great country that India is! The gallery is open on all days except Mondays and gazetted holidays from 10am to 5pm. Entry is free.

mona@tribunemail.com

Colours from Orissa

Utkalika, Orissa State Emporium-35, is doling out 30 per cent discount on handlooms and 10 per cent on handicrafts, ahead of Raja Sankranti. This three-day festival, mainly for women, traditionally demands that they don't walk bare-foot, do not scratch the earth, do not grind, do not tear anything apart, do not cut and do not cook! Even if you don't celebrate the fest, isn't it a good excuse to do some shopping? Utkalika has rich heavy saris in silk, tussar and bonkai. A rage this season is putli design (woman figures). Plain or 'buti' saris with heavy pallus are a treat for eyes. Cotton saris in eclectic colours, starting from Rs 400, are another hit.

There are ikkat bedcovers, beautifully crafted and durable as well. Check out marble and stone idols if you are looking for something for your home! 

Shah Rukh Khan, a bookworm

Some of us live by the adage that books are our best friends while some of us cannot read anything beyond text messages and status updates. Shah Rukh Khan owes his wit, humour, and all-round awareness and knowledge to his habit of reading. He is a compulsive reader and cannot do without a book. The superstar talks about his love for books.

The i-Pad is a boon

Reading is something which I like more than anything else and I am very happy to have access to gadgets such as the i-Pad on which I carry more than 3,500 books everyday with me wherever I go! Obviously, I cannot physically carry so many books! When I leave home I make sure I am carrying my i-Pad as you don't need anything else when you have it.

Reading addiction

I-Pad is a new invention. Before this I used to carry books. On some days, if I did not have a book with me, I would read the instructions stuck on the hotel's bathroom door or even the fire instructions placed in the room. I can't go to sleep without reading something and I need to read to sleep properly.

Current book

I am currently reading Kanika Dhillon's novel Bombay Duck is a Fish which reminds of my days in Mumbai. For me, Bombay Duck.. was a call from the past. It reminded me of my own journey from Jamia Milia Islamia University to Fauji to Ra.One. Kanika's writing style is part satire, part drama, part humour, and part realism. For all those who believe dreams do come true, this one's a must-read and I am reading it.

Children today

I have made sure that my children also have a habit of reading books. Many children I know do not read books but then it's their parents' job to make them read. Reading is a good habit and it helps you know the outer world. I have seen that children today do not read much and choose computer games over books. Reading enhances one's vocabulary and parents have to find ways to make children read. It is a very good and important habit. I am proud to be a reader. — HRM

Sanjay applauds new talent

Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali who is judging a reality show currently feels there is plenty of talent in this country and entertainment has become a big platform for talent today. The director-turned-judge speaks about new talent in the industry.

Inspiration for art

Acting, dancing, singing everything is a part of art and in India art is called as Maa Saraswati. I am glad to see so much talent in India and everyone has their own creativeness. There was a time when talent and film industry was restricted to few but today everyone is giving a chance to talented people and I am very happy to see new talent.

Today's cinema

The way we are supporting new artists, we can also see new directors with new ideas in Bollywood with new kinds of cinema. Like Dev D was a modern Devdas. The concept was novel and cool and I totally loved the film. Then Aamir was another wonderful film. Band Bajaa Baraat was also a good film with a new subject and actors. All these films are made by new directors so today cinema gates are open for everyone with talent.

Shirin-Farhad

Bela had this script in her mind since a long time. Last year, she shaped the script. When we were looking for a cast it was only Farah who came to her mind because the character is so similar to what Farah is in her real life: sporty, straight-forward, she takes life as a challenge and enjoys it but somehow she crosses her marriageable age. Even Boman Irani came to her mind when she was writing the script because he is a Parsi and it's based on a Parsi couple. It's a sweet romantic story. We will start shooting by this October or November.

Favourite actors

Every actor has his/her unique talent and is known for his/her films. So everyone is unique but as everyone knows I am an Aishwarya Rai Bachchan fan. From the new lot, I really like Anushka Sharma a lot because she is such an expressive actress. Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra are also very good actresses. Abhay Deol is one of my favourite actors.

Makeover
Look who's changing from simple to sexy

A handful of actors and actresses in Bollywood will undergo image makeovers in their upcoming films. For instance, Jacqueline Fernandez has transformed from a pretty girl-next-door to a bombshell and pin-up girl in her next, Murder 2. We evaluate some other probable transformations and people who have stepped out of their comfort zones for movies.

Jacqueline Fernandez in Murder 2

She is pretty, sexy, and stylish. So far, she has only played demure characters in Jaane Kaha Se Aayi Hai and Aladin. Her item song Dhanno in Housefull was quite hot. The former beauty queen will undergo a complete image makeover and set the screens on fire in Murder 2. The leggy lass plays a pin-up girl in the film and you will find her snogging Emraan or posing in bikinis or both through most of it. We gotta admit that she looks absolutely smouldering and gorgeous in the promos.

Sonakshi Sinha in Joker, Race and Kick

The star-daughter played a village belle in Dabangg and was over-appreciated for it. She has gained back the weight she lost for the film. Miss Sinha is not happy with the fact that people want to see her in traditional outfits. This has happened largely due to her look in Dabangg. She has gone around town telling people that she loves Western casuals. She has also promised that her next films will shatter her desi image. Let's see. We think she is big-boned and somehow doesn't carry off Western outfits. The pretty face has to stop trying to lose weight and simply be confident about her body and the way she looks.

Saif Ali Khan in Aarakshan

He is smooth, suave, stylish, Westernised, and handsome. He was splendidly rustic is Omkara and Love Aaj Kal. The Chhote Nawab is playing a Dalit (a low-caste member) in Prakash Jha's film. Saif has said that the character didn't come naturally to him at all and it was very challenging for him. He said that he couldn't act; he had to become his Zen-like deprived character. The clothes, pure Hindi dialogues and sets helped him get into the skin of his layered character. We are sure Saif's performance will be acclaimed.

Sonam Kapoor in Mausam

She is fashionable, glamourous, and modern. Miss Kapoor plays a Kashmiri girl in Mausam. She is childish while her character will be shown maturing over a decade. We have usually seen her in the trendiest clothes but in the film, she will be seen in simple and traditional Kashmiri attire. The slim chic is pretty but she doesn't fit into the "Kashmiri beauty" bracket. Her acting has been awful lately so we hope she is decent in Pankaj Kapur's directorial debut.

Imran Khan in Delhi Belly

Imran Khan is a good boy. He has never been linked with anyone and is happily married to his long-time girlfriend Avantika Mallik. In his Uncle Aamir's production, he is playing the opposite of his true self. Khan plays a crime journalist in Abhinay Deo's film. He two-times his girlfriends, mouths filthy language, gets involved with the mafia, gets into the bad books of the cops, and leads a very edgy life. We have to admit that he looks hot and carries the bad boy tag well. We can barely wait to see the film.

Yoga aficionado

Victoria's Secret model Miranda Kerr has credited her toned shape to regular yoga sessions, which she continued throughout her pregnancy. The Australian supermodel welcomed her first child early this year with husband Orlando Bloom, and she stunned fans by showing off her trim figure just weeks later during Paris Fashion Week in France.

"I practised yoga for over 10 years and I just continued that practice throughout my whole pregnancy and then afterwards as well. It does (keep you in shape after the birth) especially when you're breast feeding," she says. — ANI

Hangover 3 to be set in mental home

Zach Galifianakis Hollywood funnyman Zach Galifianakis has said that plans for a third instalment of the Hangover is on and the film will revolve around his character's escape from a mental home.The 41-year-old actor, who played Alan Garner in the first two instalments, said the upcoming project will be about his escape from a mental home with the help of Phil and Stu, his onscreen friends.

"They want to do a Hangover 3. I'm getting calls already," said Galifianakis. The Due Date star, echoing the words of filmmaker Tod Philippes, said that the third is likely to be the last and will be on a different "template". — PTI

Grand comeback

Country singer Shania Twain is all set to make a musical comeback bagging a two-year deal to perform in luxurious hotel of Las Vegas.

The 46-year-old Canadian, who stars in a reality show for Oprah Winfrey's network, kicks off a two-year residency at the Caesars Palace on 1st December 2012.

"I will let my imagination run wild. I'm going to go nuts creatively," Twain said announcing her comeback yesterday. The residency comes as the singer bounces back from a heartbreak, divorce and voice-loss to record a new tune with American singer Lionel Richie.

The 'Come Over Me' singer will debut the record during the season finale episode of her US reality TV show Why Not? With Shania Twain this weekend. Twain, who received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame last week, also released an autobiography, 'From This Moment On', last month. — PTI 

it’s rocking
Pun intended

The lyrics of the song Teri tirchhi nazar ne, dil ko kar diya pancture takes you back in time, when the song Tirchhi topiwale became a rage. We expected the same kind of Bollywood tune in this Delhi Belly track. Surprisingly, it's a quawalli. The tune immediately registers in the mind and the lyrics are unusual too. After all, you don't get to listen to lyrics like Socha tumne bhi hint dia, lekin sandal ka print dia. Music lovers have more to say.

Tirchha song

It's a hilarious song. It takes you time to believe how the song is a complete contrast to the rock track by Ram Sampath Bhaag DK Bose. It's a catchy number. The trick is played with the word puncture, which is sung in a rather funny way. The song suits the temperament of the film, which promises to be fun and entertaining.

Latika Sharma, employee of a private bank.

Lyrical comedy

I love the words, Nakkaddwaley disco, udhaarwaley khisko from the song. It's sung making it most mischievous part of the song. The song is hilarious. Facial expressions of Imran Khan and Vir Das are so serious that for once you are made to believe it's a serious qawalli. The video of the song is also equally entertaining.

Sahil Sharma, a telecomm sector employee.

Word play

The music of the movie has already become the high point of the movie. The word puncture has been played in a very funny way. Music director Ram Sampath has done a fantastic job. After a very long time, a Bollywood song has used harmonium. The intelligent pronunciation of puncture word is very amusing. Aamir Khan has once again come up with an interesting music and story line.

Nidhi Bali, a college student

As told to Ashima Sehajpal 

the foodies
World platter
jigyasa Kapoor Chimra

Eating out is part and parcel of lifestyle of the people of Chandigarh. Fond of good food it's the city foodies who have made the city any gourmets delight. Food is one delight that foreigners who travel across the globe to visit Chandigarh can vouch for. Though Chandigarh is full of multi-cuisine restaurants this week we pick Hangout F4 in Sector 35 and ask a group of four men from Scotland and England and a family from Mohali to tell us about their experience of eating out at this restaurant.

Food fantasy

For Shine, John, Joseph and Frank eating out at this restaurant has been a great experience. On their first visit to the country they chorus, "We love the city and we've tried varied restaurants here, but we liked this one for their beer and the staff."

How often do you eat out:

We're here in Chandigarh for a month and we've tried a number of restaurants and have been eating out everyday."

The best thing about the restaurant:

The staff and quick service.

How about service:

It's quick.

Ambience:

We like the place.

What did you order:

Beer and sizzlers.

Price:

Suit's our pocket very well.

What to eat:

Must try their Chicken sizzler.

Family matter

For Varun, Radhika, Vani and Vivan this is their third visit to the restaurant and they like salads and sizzlers here. "We are fond of salads and we like their counter of fresh salads," says Varun.

How often do you eat out:

Twice a week, usually weekends.

The best thing you like about the restaurant:

Salads.

How about service:

It's ok.

Ambience:

It's ok.

What did you order:

Chicken salami salad and a 
sizzler.

Price:

It's reasonable.

What to eat:

Must try their salad.

Juice isn't a health drink?

People who regularly drink fruit juice may actually be putting their health at risk, two new studies have claimed after finding that the beverage is packed with so much sugar that it can be addictive. Drinking just two glasses a day could give people a "sweet tooth", making them crave calorie-packed food, claimed one study, while the another suggested for eating dried fruits as they contain as many antioxidants, polyphenols and nutrients as normal fruits do.

The findings of both the studies concluded that fruit juices should not be counted as one of your five-a-day and consumption of dried fruit needs to encouraged.The first study, carried out by a team from the Bangor University in North Wales, found that even freshly squeezed fruit juices can contain as much as five teaspoons of sugar per glass because the squeezing process concentrates their sweetness.

This is around two-thirds of the amount found in a can of soda and can contribute to obesity and also disturb blood sugar levels and the body's natural metabolism.

Researchers said that the juices should be taken off the five-a-day recommendations so that people are encouraged to eat whole fruits and vegetables instead which have far more nutrients per calorie. Dr Hans-Peter Kubis, who led the research, said that the fruit juices could encourage a "sweet tooth". —PTI

chatter box
Next, Veena ka Swayamvar?

After Rakhi Sawant and Rahul Mahajan, the third season of Imagine's Swayamvar had a non-controversial actress Ratan Rajput. As the show began rumours about Ratan's disinterest in the proceedings, her decision to bow out at the finale and low ratings for the show have been flying around. Apparently, one hears that the channel is already thinking of the next season of Swayamvar and is in consultation with the Pakistani actress Veena Malik. As she is well known for her controversial statements and bindaas attitude, perhaps the channel will get the ratings and audiences they desire for this show. 

Dharmendra turns to small screen

Veteran actor Dharmendra will now be seen on the small screen as he has agreed to judge the third season of Colors talent show India's Got Talent. This will be the debut of the superstar on telly and the 75-year-old actor is eagerly looking forward to the experience. While the other judges for season 3 are yet to be confirmed, the channel is obviously thrilled to have such a well-known figure on board. 

KKK is a hit

The return of Khiladi Akshay Kumar in the fourth season of Khatron Ke Khiladi- Torchaar on Colors got the channel high TRPs and sigh of relief. The show launched on June 3 and garnered a rating of 3.7, which is the highest for the show compared to its previous seasons. Cool stuff!

 

Diana HaydenDiana, Karan share screen space

Television's hunk Karan Singh Grover, who is hosting a new show on Channel V, will soon be working in a film with Diana Hayden. The film will be Karan's major Bollywood break, which he had been waiting for a long time. 

One step forward

Pooja Bose, who started in Star Plus' Tujh Sang Preet Lagayi Sajana and Imagine's Sarvagunn Sampan, is apparently looking for greener pastures and has decided to quit TV for films. After Imagine's show ended, she took a break but later when offers came, she claimed disinterest in working on TV. Now buzz is that Pooja has signed two films- one Bengali and one Telugu so she will be busy and won't have any time or inclination for the small screen.

Family time for actors

BREAK KE BAAD: Additi Gupta After continuously shooting for the Zee TV's Sanjog Se Bani Sangini, Additi Gupta finally has some time to spend. Earlier she would be shooting non-stop and now that she has a break, she decided to spend quality time with her mom and dad instead of going on a vacation with her friends. Not only Additi, we heard even Karan Kundra and Kritika Kamra, who are free after their show ended, are spending time with their respective parents.

Sick? Go on leave!
Stress and conflict can trigger people to take sick leave as an excuse or for a genuine reason 
Jasmine Singh

In this dog-eat-dog world, the first word that a kid picks up is competition. A world where you slog for the whole month and return with a fat cheque not knowing when do spend that, where you are made to sit in shiny glass cubicles ensuring you don't have time to think about what should be written on the epitaph...is survival easy? We know the answer, and so do you. But guess what - someone smart out there created a thing called sick leave, which can momentarily bail you out from the rut and madness of work. 

Sick leave — to be ideally used when an employee falls sick or for the present times, leave that can be availed when an employee thinks he or she should be falling sick very soon, is now being taken even for conflicts and stress at work. According to UK government statistics, over 8 million working days per year are lost due to illness and about a third of these are due to minor ailments such as coughs, colds, sickness and diarrhoea. In fact, stress and conflict can trigger people to take sick leave as an excuse or for a genuine reason. Do you agree? 

Kapil Sharma, working as senior software engineer at G Designs, Mohali, has a candid take on the sick leave situation. "It works both ways. Sometimes stress at work triggers a feeling of sickness, like severe headache, cough, cold, low or high blood pressure, while at other times when an employee feels that he or she could get into any untoward incident at work, sick leave comes up as an exciting option." Kapil can vouch for the fact that most of the employees at his workplace don't use sick leaves when they are sick. "They are rather taken to chicken out from some difficult situation at work because there is no verification of the leave." 

A Swedish study found that problems in relationships with colleagues and superiors were more frequent in the days just before sick leave than on other days. It also found that individuals with a minor ailment were more likely to report sick when they expected that the following workday would be particularly stressful! Do we have a choice! 

Corporates and non-corporates following a 24X7 grilling schedule second every single word of the study. "We have limited holidays, limited sick leaves and unlimited stress at work," says Neharaj Trehan, corporate communications head with Techline, a computer software firm at Baddi. "Mostly we cannot avail all the sick leaves at one go, so we are left with no other option but avail it in one way or the other. I personally feel the stress at work these days makes employees fall sick." It is more or less an excuse now! 

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Beat it

Sameer from Kava
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ww_398bkZ8Y
Genre: Electronic
Bandish Projekt - 12345

Bandish Project, earlier was a combination of two people, but now it has just one person- Mayur Narwekar. I heard their music long time back, they were among few artists whose music brought me into the kind of music that I play today. The track starts with male vocals, by Mayur itself. The way they have used the effects on the vocals is just too good. Later they introduce a female voice. The voice of the vocalist is incredibly amazing.

(As told to Jasmine Singh) 

DJ Sameer’s song of the day

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is June 11...

Your energy levels hit the sky and you are mostly in a good frame of mind. You appreciate all that life has to offer and feel grateful for it. The year will be filled with many great moments, especially the months of November and March. Projects at work will move ahead at a fast pace and you will accomplish a lot during this time. This is the right year for you to start something of your own. You seek freedom and want to work independently in 2011. There's nothing that can stop you from realising your dreams and making them a reality. Friends will be there for you and will make you feel happier than ever. Lucky colours for you in 2011 are white, blue and orange. Your lucky days are Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Number 11, is the giver, an innovator with an unmistakable streak of humanitarianism. As lovers you are romantic in the idealistic sense of the word, want to see good in people, Elevens are the least selfish persons, and they are extremely considerate. The year 2011 will see you at your productive best. Life is complicated and not always clear. Don't stop and try to figure it out. Avoid anything that requires a serious investment of time or freedom -- keep your options wide-open right now! If you can avoid signing up for anything long-term, that's a win.

Lalu Prasad Yadav Former Central Minister and former CM of Bihar , Lalu Prasad Yadav (Jun11, 1947 , Phulwaria, Bihar) also celebrates his birthday with you. At the age of 29, he was one of the youngest members of Parliament. He is famous for his charismatic leadership and humour. In his horoscope, there are various Raj Yogas. Mercury in ascendant makes him extremely shrewd and jovial. He is the only CM whose wife was also CM because of Jupiter’s presence in the spouse house. His lost glory will be restored after 2014.

Astro Turf
P Khurrana

ARIES:The run of good business continues Relationships move to closer intimacy, deepening love and fulfilling sexuality. Do not make the mistake of working late. Once you have decided on a certain course of action stick to your guns.

Tarot Message: You have to push to succeed and your efforts will pay off. Lucky Colour: Pink.

Magic Number: 40

TAURUS:Customer and other relatives are special today. Turn on the charm and the world’s your oyster. Take full advantage of the good opportunity. Singles are in luck and those with partners are back in saddle. Enjoy an early dinner. Tarot Message: By applying your grey matter, you can build great success. Lucky Colour: Peacock Green.Magic Number: 51

GEMINI: A day for workaholics, which is great if you love your job. Income may dwindle, expenses could rise. Do what you can to improve your mind. Enjoyment can be obtained in the company of the person dearest to you. Friends and finance will not mix. Tarot Message: Focus on the better to mitigate the bitter. Lucky Colour: Forest Green. Magic Number: 65

CANCER:Make efforts to apply for a job you really want to. Do not let too many people know what you are planning. Businessman will financially feel a bit tight. Club and social activities are not favoured. Warmth and joy can flow to you in romance. Tarot Message: Empty promises are certain, so put your conditions in writing. Lucky Color: Peach. Magic Number: 61

LEO:Get real about your daily routine and make it a happy one. Meetings with potential contractors and employers can be productive. In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to concentrate on leisure activities. Tarot Message: You find within yourself a fountainhead of a will power

Lucky Colour: Orange

Magic Number: 47

VIRGO: Your card is “the Magician” so you are not likely to be taken unaware by surprise happenings. It is probably a better period for working in familiar surroundings. Consider alternative therapies. Tarot Message: At work don’t hold back anything from your employer.

Lucky Colojr: Metallic Grey.

Magic Number: 42

LIBRA: Spend this perfect day with your sweet-heart. Drop whatever you had scheduled and dedicate yourself to the one you love most. Exciting new contracts emerge from chance encounters. Tarot Message: You must share responsibility with others before continuing. Lucky Colour: Pink.

Magic Number: 35

SCORPIO: If you have recently taken on a new job or a contract make sure to negotiate and organise all the specific terms and conditions. You might face great work load. Accept any invitation to party. Tarot Message: Don’t make impulsive decisions in personal relationships. Lucky Colour: Ebony.

Magic Number: 40

SAGITTARIUS: Today is a test of knowhow and competence in your profession. Do not pay too much attention to gossip about loved ones. Judge all situations yourself. Evening is comfortable in the company of family members.

Tarot Message: You gain by being practical. Lucky Colour: Saffron. Magic Number: 32

CAPRICORN: Sudden encounters with extraordinary character leave a mark on your life. You will find it difficult to reach agreements with loved ones. Family members will be quick tempered and only too willing to criticise you. Tarot Message: You gain by being practical; don’t be emotional. Lucky Colour: Yellow

Magic Number: 25

AQUARIUS: Your lover may be insistent on your amorous attention whether you are in the mood or not. Employment affairs may be somewhat unsettled especially in the morning. Home and family affairs will be most enjoyable. Tarot Message: Watch your best interests. Lucky Colour: Sky Blue. Magic Number: 28

PISCES: The cash should be flowing into your account today. This abundance is not due to luck but all because of your hard-work. Mental work will be stimulating. Be a little cautious about whom you get involved with. Tarot Message: Focus on professional changes.

Lucky Color: Deep Red.

Magic Number: 32 





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